With (mostly) warmer weather upon us, it’s time to prepare ourselves for long, hot nights and fresh sunny day. What time could be better to shake up your skincare routine for some extra TLC, and experiment with new products to kick-start a summer glow, or bring some colour to your everyday look!

KIKO Smart Hydra Shot Stick, £6.99

In hot and humid summer weather, lightweight formulas are a godsend, and this solid format moisturiser is no exception. Gel moisturisers are all the rage at every price point, from Clinique’s customisable iD range (£36), to Simple’s Water Boost (£3.49), but for me this addition to the playing field by KIKO comes out on top, especially for your summer hydration needs. It glides onto the skin, creating a layer of moisture that seamlessly melts, tackling dry areas. Its compact size also makes it perfect to pop into a bag for topping up during the day, and the alcohol base bring a cooling, soothing effect that is perfect for hot weather. It is also available as a gel cream, and, best of all, both products are currently on sale!

Glossier Boy Brow, £14

To anyone who has read any beauty article in the last four years, I’m sure being told to buy Boy Brow is no big revelatory experience. But trust me, it really is worth it. For me, summer makeup is all about longevity and a subtle look; both are balanced by this cult pomade that has become a staple of the ‘no-makeup’ makeup look. The sweat-proof waxy formula holds up against long summer days, and helps cultivate the fluffy but styled ‘virgin brows’ look still very much present on the Spring/Summer '19 runways with the likes of Mansur Gavriel and Christopher Kane.

Glycolic Fix Foaming Pads, £14.95

Cleansing and exfoliating are never more important than in summertime, when skin oils can build up quickly and cause breakouts and excess shine. In spite of the rather harsh and clinical sounding active ingredient of these cleansing pads, glycolic acid, they offer a surprisingly gentle cleanse, and exfoliate with their foaming action and lightly textured pads. My skin always feels exceptionally clean, but never dry, after using them, and their mild fragrance helps me not to feel like I’m pickling my face, as I find with some particularly chemical-filled facial cleansers. These pads are not cheap, but I managed to snatch some at TkMaxx at a fraction of the price, and if you’re still in search of a glycolic hit, Nip+Fab also make Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads, at £12.95 for a pack of 60.

Barry M Illuminating Strobe Cream, £4.49

This is one of my absolute favourites: inexpensive, effective and easy to use. Bronzer came back with a vengeance at Spring/Summer '19 shows, notably with Molly Goddard, and with this highlighter I opt for a shade warmer than my skin tone, perfect for giving a bronzed, sun kissed look to your cheeks. The creamy consistency is easily blend-able and doesn’t sit heavily on the skin, and while it won’t last through everything, the stick format makes it easy to carry around and reapply. It’s not the kind of blinding Becca-style gleam, but if you’re looking for a natural glow, this is the one for you.

Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser, £6.59

“Another moisturiser?” I hear you cry. Yes dear reader, really. Hot weather can cause sweaty and oily skin, but it can also be very dehydrating. If you’re looking for a heavier moisturiser for summer, this spray fits the bill – it creates a light layer that will never feel greasy and is perfect for covering large areas like arms and legs, great news for maintaining a sun tan. One can will last you an age, and it can be found in a few different variations, including with soothing aloe or cocoa butter, which offers a luscious and rich fragrance as an added bonus.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil, £5.50

Bold and bright graphic eye looks are the perfect way to bring a pop of colour to a simple daytime outfit, or elevate a summer party get-up. This range by NYX offers a huge number of colour choices, and the smooth texture of the pencil makes them a fantastically versatile asset. From defined lines to subtly blended looks, the possibilities are endless.

L’Oreal Clay Masks, £7.99

I challenge anyone to find a better way to relax than lying in the bath with a face mask on, and this creamy clay offering from L’Oreal, with its fresh mineral smell, is perfect if you’re looking for a touch of the spa experience at home. Better yet, at £7.99 for ten applications, it won't break the bank, and there are different masks for varying skin concerns, from charcoal for detoxing to blue algae for targeting blemishes.

Illamasqua Jewel Vinyl, £15

Perfect for capturing the striking couture glitter looks seen at Halpern and Simone Rocha for Spring/Summer '19, this incredible glitter suspended in a smooth balm can be easily applied with a brush or even a finger to create an incredibly pigmented and thick layer of sparkle. The balm never dries out though, so unlike many glitter adhesives, it won’t feel unpleasant or start to flake off. Unfortunately, for the price point, you get disappointing little product, but I managed to find a full compact at TKMaxx for just £4.50, and it is definitely worth shelling out the extra cash if you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting glitter.

Glossier Bubblewrap, £23

Considering I’ve already advised you to give £14 of your hard-earned cash to Glossier, you might be excused for thinking twice about shelling out another £23 for this combination lip and eye cream. But if, like me, summer brings out your worst chapped lips, this product can give you that smooth and moisturised feel back in seconds. It absorbs quickly, and I find it perfect for use under a longer wearing emollient-based lip balm. The price is a major drawback, but I incorporate this into my skincare routine maybe only once a week, and I've had months of use out of just one bottle, with no signs of running out in the near future.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Ultra Light Facial Sun Cream, £16.50

No list of summer essentials could be complete without sun protection. It’s the vital missed step in too many beauty routines, and summer really is the time to step up your game. La Roche-Posay is a trusted brand the world over, and their Antihelios range covers all bases. Their Shaka Ultra Light SPF50 offers a light formula that doesn’t leave that trademark greasy feeling, while still providing excellent protection and coverage, and should be a staple of everyone’s skincare kit this summer. It is more expensive than drugstore sun cream, but for me it’s worth every penny.